WARREN GATLAND revealed Scots pair Richie Gray and Sean Maitland have catapulted themselves into Test contention with a standout show in the rout of Melbourne Rebels.

Gray made the most of his chance to impress at lock in the absence of crocked skipper Paul O’Connell while winger Maitland crowned a terrific Lions performance with the try of the match.

Head coach Gatland was delighted with the display ahead of Saturday’s second Test against Australia and insists places are still up for grabs.

He was also relieved to make amends for last week’s loss to Brumbies – the Lions’ first defeat to a provincial side since 1997.

Gatland’s men romped to victory with Conor Murray, Maitland, Sean O’Brien and Ben Youngs crossing and the ref awarding a penalty try.

Gatland said: “That was a good response to the disappointment of last week. We said beforehand it was an opportunity for players to put their hands up.

“Richie Gray had his best game on tour, Richard Hibbard carried the ball well, Conor Murray and Ben Youngs were good, as was Sean Maitland.

“The spirit came out today, shown by the way we didn’t concede any points.

“There’s still a chance for people to be involved because there are two games. Given the attritional rate, there are bound to be a few injuries between now and the final Test.

“Even if you’re involved in the next two Tests you can still feel proud of having been part of a successful Lions tour. That’s what the aim is.”

Sean Maitland of the Lions dives over for the Lions second try (Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)

Maitland’s moment of glory came in the first half when Manu Tuilagi went on the rampage past a string of defenders.

Faletau slipped in front of the posts but there was no panic from the tourists as possession was quickly recycled through Brad Barritt and Simon Zebo, enabling Maitland to touch down for a super team try.

Gray shone alongside fellow stand-in Ian Evans of Wales and is optimistic he will get the nod for a place on the bench against the Wallabies on Saturday.

He said: “The focus was just to keep improving. This was the team that largely played last Tuesday and we were pretty upset without ourselves.

“We wanted to prove a point and keep the momentum going. Paul getting injured was unfortunate because he’s huge for us but it opens up an opportunity for me and Ian.

“Ian played very well, his line-out was exceptional, so we’ll see what happens.”

Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan reckons the choice between Gray and Evans will come down to tactics.

The former Scotland coach – the last man to lead the Lions to a Test series victory against South African in 1997 – said: “The two second-rowers worked really hard and I think it will be tactical decision from the coaches as to which way they want to go.

“Do they want to go with the dynamic Gray who gets into the outside spaces a bit earlier? Or the power of Evans?”

Gatland revealed Alex Corbisiero and Jamie Roberts are unlikely to feature in the second Test in Melbourne.

England loosehead prop Corbisiero is still struggling with the calf problem that saw him limp out of the 23-21 first Test win and Wales centre Roberts missed the crunch clash due to a hamstring injury.

Gatland said: “It’s looking doubtful they’ll be involved.”

He also confirmed O’Connell would be staying Down Under despite being ruled out the rest of the tour with a fractured arm.

Gatland added: “Paul has been given the option to stay. I don’t think he will be on a Lions tour in four years’ time. He played such an important role in our win in the first Test.”